Rajendra Prasad Suram1, Prathima Raj Dara2
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
This study was performed to study the thyroid dysfunction in elderly patients and its clinical correlation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This is a prospective study, which consists of 150 patients aged more than 60 years and were admitted to Government General Hospital, Nizamabad. They were under suspicion that they were suffering from thyroid disorders and were subjected to detailed clinical examination as per proforma. Thyroid antibody test was done for those who were found to have altered thyroid functions. From these patients, demographic details, anthropometric measurements, and clinical information was collected. Serum T3, T4, and TSH levels were evaluated in the laboratory by chemiluminescence assay method. Other tests like USG/FNAC neck, CBC, RBS, Lipid profile, PS, ESR, ECG, Echo were done.
INCLUSION CRITERIA
150 patients with age of above 60 years were selected who were suspected to have thyroid disorders.
EXCLUSION CRITERIA
Patients who were sick, who were with established thyroid disorders, who were using drugs, which alter thyroid functions, who were using thyroid supplements, who have undergone thyroid surgery, who have been on radioactive iodine therapy, who were using iodine-containing vitamins and minerals, who have undergone radiological tests.
RESULTS
In the present study, out of 150 patients, 82 males and 68 were females. It was found that the thyroid dysfunction is more among females (21%) than in males (14%). This was seen in both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism as females have increased autoimmune diseases. Out of 150 patients, only 35% had total thyroid abnormalities. Out of 150 patients, 15% had hypothyroidism, 10% had subclinical hypothyroidism, 4% had hyperthyroidism, and 6% had subclinical hyperthyroidism. TFT always is helpful in diagnosing the disease. Hypothyroidism is more common than hyperthyroidism in elderly patients. In elderly patients, thyroid dysfunction is not uncommon. Quarter of the patients exhibited thyroid function abnormalities.
CONCLUSION
It can be concluded that elderly patients with symptoms like fatigue, weakness, lethargy, disinterest in daily activities must be taken as a strong suspicion of thyroid disorders.
